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LOPD reaches new heights

Police climb onto the roof of a Plaid Pantry to help raise funds for Special Olympics Oregon

Lake Oswego Police officers reached new heights Friday in their effort to raise funds for Special Olympics Oregon at an event called "Police on the Pantry."

From 7-9:30 a.m. and again from 3-5:30 p.m., LOPD officers climbed atop the roof of the Plaid Pantry at the corner of Jean and Pilkington roads. The goal: to collect donations that will directly support Special Olympics athletes in Oregon as they prepare for competition.

The event also took place at 10 other Plaid Pantry stores in Portland and Salem; at several of the locations, officers were joined on the roof by Special Olympics Oregon athletes and their families.

On Friday morning, Lake Oswego Police Capt. Dale Jorgensen and School Resource Officer Bryan Sheldon were joined by Lake Oswego Fire Department Assistant Chief David Morris. Other officers stayed on the ground to collect donations from passersby.

In the afternoon, Community Service Officer Cole Duvall headed for the roof while Officer Drew Boggs, CSO Johnna Richards and others handled bucket duty. All carried signs that read, "Help get us down." Folks who made a minimum $5 donation received a special thank-you from Plaid Pantry.

"Police on the Pantry" is a new fundraiser, according to Special Olympics Oregon spokesperson Jenelle Clinton. But it's an offshoot of the long-running Oregon Law Enforcement Torch Run, in which law enforcement agencies throughout the state take turns carrying the "Flame of Hope" alongside Special Olympics athletes during a run through their jurisdictions.

The Torch Run and other law enforcement events raised $650,000 for Special Olympics Oregon last year, Clinton said, and all of the money is used locally to purchase transportation, uniforms and equipment for the 14,000 Special Olympics Oregon athletes.

In preparation for the new fundraiser, the 108 Plaid Pantry stores in Oregon all began selling $1 icons on May 23 to help raise awareness and additional funds. The company also plans to make a donation to Special Olympics Oregon on behalf of the Torch Run.

"Plaid Pantry is a proud long-time supporter of law enforcement and Special Olympics Oregon," said Jonathan Polonsky, Plaid Pantry president and COO. "We know our employees and customers are excited to participate in this fun and unique fundraiser to support these incredible athletes and their families in all the communities we serve."